The phone rang at five in the morning. Barbara rolled onto her side, squinting at the screen — an unknown number. She let out a soft sigh.— Hello? — she answered dryly, her voice barely awake.
— Basieńka?! — a loud, excited female voice erupted. — Is that you?!Barbara raised an eyebrow slightly.— Yes, — she replied coolly.— It’s me! — the woman’s voice practically sparkled through the receiver. — Do you recognize me?
Barbara hesitated for a fraction of a second. She had no idea who it was, but politeness dictated an answer:— Of course.— I knew you’d recognize me! — the woman exclaimed, full of joy. — I’m so glad I reached you! Do you have a moment to talk?
— I do.— Great! My husband, the kids, and I just got off the train. We’re at the station. Can you hear me okay?— I can.— Your voice is so quiet… Everything alright with you, Basieńka?— Yes, everything’s fine.
— I’m glad! At first, we thought we’d stay in a hotel because we didn’t know anyone here. And then we remembered — you live here! Do you understand?— I do.— Imagine our excitement! Especially the kids!
— I can imagine.— And my husband immediately said, “Call Basia. Basia won’t let us down.”— He was right. I won’t let you down.— So we can stay with you?— Yes. You’re welcome.
— We won’t stay long — maybe two weeks. We want to see the city, then go back. You know, there’s so much to do at home… and as they say, there’s no place like home, right?— Right.
— I knew you’d say that! My husband said the same thing. There’s no way you wouldn’t take us in. After all, we’re family! Distant, sure, but still family, even though it’s been ten years… right?— Yes.— And you live alone now?
— Alone.— In a three-room apartment?— Yes.— Perfect! We’re coming right over!— Come.— In an hour! You still live in the same place?— Yes.
Barbara put the phone down and pulled the blanket over her head. She tried not to think too much about who she had just spoken to.
An hour later, the doorbell rang, breaking her rest. She sighed, rolled onto her other side, and closed her eyes. The bell rang insistently. Someone began banging on the door. Barbara didn’t move. Then the phone rang again.
— Hello? — she muttered.— Basieńka?! — the cheerful voice again. — We’re at your door, calling and calling, and you’re not opening!— You’re calling?— Yes!— Then why can’t I hear anythin— I don’t know. — Call again, please.
This time, the doorbell sounded inside.— We’re ringing!— No, I don’t hear it. Now knock!— We’re knocking!— Still nothing.Silence fell.— I think I know… — the woman said.— What?— Where are you right now, Basieńka?
— Where? At home.— But where is “home”?— Krakow, — she blurted. — Where else would I be?— Krakow?! Why not Warsaw?— I moved nine years ago, right after my divorce.— Why?
— Why did I move? Warsaw bored me. Too many bad memories.— And Krakow is better?— Of course! Much better. Everything here is fresh… no unpleasant memories. But come, you’ll see for yourself. How many of you are there?
— Four. Me, my husband, and two boys — Paweł and Andrzej. Andrzej is trying for university again this year.— Then come all of you. There’s a great university here!— When?— Even today.
— Today’s impossible. There are still things to take care of in Warsaw… We came here for work, planned to stay a year… but you see how that turned out.— So you won’t come today?— No.
— That’s too bad. I was already looking forward to it.— Us too… you have no idea how much!— I can imagine.— No, you can’t! Thinking about what’s ahead for us makes me lose the will to live.
Barbara felt it was time to end the conversation. — Okay, come whenever you can. You’re always welcome. And once you’re settled in Warsaw, send me the address. I’ll visit — for two weeks as well. Because besides you, I have no one there. Agreed?
The call abruptly ended, leaving Barbara alone in the quiet apartment, a faint smile on her lips and a strange, lingering unease in her chest.
